According to Devaswom sources, the proposed Prasadam complex has been planned in such a way that it houses a godown in the ground floor, the Aravana and Appam preparation units on the first floor, the prasadam distribution counters on the second floor and rooms and dormitories for the staff on duty on the third floor.

The Prasadom complex will have a total plinth area of 1,25,000 sq. ft. while the existing Aravana unit attached to the Ayyappa Temple complex, including the accommodation building, was only 30,000 sq ft, sources said.

The Devaswom Board president will also lay the foundation stone for the proposed media complex at the Pampa Manalpuram tomorrow.

The Devaswom Executive Officer, V. S. Rajagopalan Nair, said that the Board has made arrangements for free-food (Uppumavu and tea) distribution at its Annadanam hall at Sannidhanam for a maximum of 6,000 persons on a daily basis during the Vishu festival.

Free food

This is besides the free meals scheme for 2,000 persons everyday at Pampa, he said.

Mr. Nair said that not less than 2,500 devotees took part in the Annadanam at Sannidhanam today.

Aravana stock

Mr Nair said that the TDB has been maintaining a buffer stock of 1,80,000 cans of Arvana in view of the increase in demand for the Prasadom during the rush days of the Vishu festival.

He said that the Board has also opened medicated drinking water distribution centres at Neelimala, Appachimedu, Lower Thirumuttom and at Jyoti Nagar.

Besides the TDB chief, the Board members, Punalur Madhu and M.B.Sreekumar, the Special Commissioner appointed by the Kerala High Court, D. Sreevallabhan, and the Devaswom Commissioner, C. G. Satchidanandan, were among those who are camping at Sabarimala Sannidhanam.